The Right Defense Will Help You Overcome Any Offense
What the Bible says to do if someone offends you: Shake it off!
Proverbs 12:16 Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults.
Ephesians 5:4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
Something said or done that causes another to be offended/trapped - “Scandalon”
Creed, My Own Prison
A court is in session, a verdict is in
No appeal on the docket today
Just my own sin
The walls are cold and pale
The cade made of steel
Screams fill the room
Alone I drop and kneel
Silence now the sound
My breath the only motion around
Demons cluttering around
My face showing no emotion
Shackled by my sentence
Expecting no return
Here there is no penance
My skin begins to burn
If you have caused someone to stumble
Matthew 7:1-5 “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.
Luke 17:1-2 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
DEFENSE
What the Bible says to do: Do for them what your Heavenly Father has done for you!
Luke 11:1-4 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.
Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Romans 12:14-21 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse….17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord(not a single action not accounted for-you just don’t have to be the debt collector). 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Forgive them
Pray for them
Bless them
BENEFIT
Forgiveness allows us to gain or re-gain our spiritual vitality and growth
(Matthew 13; Isaiah 58:11)
Forgiveness opens or re-opens our ability to receive God’s intention to bless and expand our territory.
(1 Chronicles 4:10)
Forgiveness allows you to gain or re-gain your strength and your overall health.
(3 John 1:2)
Forgiveness grants us the ability to release victim mentality.
(Proverbs 3)
Forgiveness allows us to gain or re-gain the prophetic destiny God set for our lives.
(Genesis 50:20)
Forgiveness fosters a long life full of productivity and promise.
(Isaiah 26:3)
Forgiveness allows you to gain or re-gain true fellowship with Christ.
(John 10:10 Deuteronomy 6:20)
Forgiving them…Sets me Free!
Come to Christ
Forgive Yourself
Forgive Offender(s)